A new study published in PLoS Magazine by the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) explores the correlation between the rapid scale-up of mosquito nets in Sub-Saharan Africa and the reduction of malaria deaths in children under 5 years old. 

An IHME study published in PLoS Medicine in 2010 found that the fraction of households owning ITNs increased from 2.2% of the at-risk population in 1999 to 32.8% in 2008---but scientists have long been engaged in a debate about the effectiveness of mosquito nets (which work very well in controlled environments used for testing) in the real world. This new study demonstrates that the increased ownership of mosquito nets has helped reduce malaria cases and deaths significantly: 

From the study: "Ownership of at least one ITN was associated with a 23% reduction in mortality in children under the age of 5. ITNs also reduce the number of children infected with malaria. In households that owned at least one ITN, the risk of children under the age of 5 becoming infected with the malaria-causing parasite was reduced by 20%."

Thanks to support from around the world---from governments, nonprofits, and generous individual---more mosquito nets are reaching families in Africa than ever before. This new study helps demonstrate that this committment is having real, life-saving impact. Help us continue this progress and donate a mosquito net today. Together, we can drive toward our goal: ending malaria deaths by 2015.